Home & Decor

S$6.00 JULY 2023 HOMEANDDECOR.COM.SG HOW TO PICK FLOORING MATERIALS PROPERTY HDB home ownership transfer guide THE KIDS ROOM EDITION THE LATEST KIDS ROOM TRENDS TO CONSIDER EXPERT TIPS FOR A CHILD-SAFE SPACE LIGHTING GUIDE FOR PLAY, REST & LEARNING MY FIRST BEDROOM

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SHOPPING 30 THE EDIT Take a look at the latest home accessories and appliances on the market. 35 HERA BATHROOM EXPERIENCE CENTER Expect life-size projection of bathroom plans, and moveable fixtures that allow visitors to play at being a designer using the brand’s complete offerings in this new bathroom gallery. 2 J U L Y CONTENTS 10 FEATURES S PE C IAL C O VE R A G E F O R T H I S D E S I G N E D ITI O N 10 SWEET DREAMS Make bedtime easier with a space your child loves. 16 LIGHT FANTASTIC Don’t be left in the dark when it comes to ensuring the health of your child’s vision. Having thoughtful and proper illumination helps to enhance the play areas while providing a conducive learning environment in the study. 20 DESIGNS TO GROW INTO The right bedroom design is more than just aesthetics or functionality - it’s the perfectly balanced marriage of both. Our design experts weigh in on the issue. 26 FROM CRIB TO COMFORT The ultimate sleepytime comforts for health and happiness. 20 Designed for Growth Ideas for a versatile bedroom.

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DESIGN I D EAS A N D I N S PI R ATI O N F R O M T H O S E I N T H E K N OW 07 EDITOR’S NOTE 08 H&D.COM.SG 115 LIVING Chic picks for the young and young at heart. 116 FINISHING NOTE 37 THE ENCHANTED WOODS French artist Eva Jospin on bringing viewers on a journey that carry viewers away into a strange and magical universe, as if they have wandered inside a fairy tale. 42 FLOORED BY DESIGN The floor: more than merely the foundation upon which all homes are built. Whatever you’re looking for underfoot, it’s an irrefutable fact that your choice will ultimately contribute to the final look of your space. 48 PROPERTY Changing HDB ownership involves several legal, financial, and procedural considerations. 4 37 Eva Jospin Creating new universes out of cardboard. 31 42 33

86 LIVING WITH ART In the heart of New York City, the home of art advisor and interior designer Maria Brito reflects her joyful personality and her love for eclecticism. 92 A NEW LIFE Based in Spain, Chilean interior designer Jaime Beriestain based the look of his Barcelona home around his art collection. 100 BOLDNESS ON THE MEXICAN COAST Interior designer Margaret Bissu shares with Karine Monie the inspiration behind this three-level beach home, which exudes joy and freshness. 108 LET THERE BE LIGHT A compact yet spacious apartment in Taipei, Taiwan, is an oasis of calm. 52 IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE Aside from a refreshed layout, a young couple’s transformation of this resale unit centres upon creating a personal feel by embracing colour, pre-loved furnishings, and plenty of art. 56 SENSUAL SLEEK This walk-up apartment in Joo Chiat has been given a warm, rustic feel that aligns with its locale. 66 TROPICAL SENSE & SENSIBILITY This detached family home reflects a young architectural designer’s design inspirations that draw upon our tropical context. 76 A BASE FOR BEAUTY Barbara Fritschy transformed her Black and White bungalow into a cosy, stylish and practical home for six people and three pets. 5 J U L Y HOMES T H E N EW M O D E R N CONTENTS on the cover 20 A spacious children’s bedroom with breezy and light accents. PHOTOGRAPHY LAWRENCE TEO ART DIRECTION NONIE CHEN 56 66

OPERATIONS MANAGER Lim Kim Yim ([email protected]) ASSISTANT MANAGER Lin Feng ([email protected]) EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT MEDIA GROUP Ignatius Low HEAD, LIFESTYLE MEDIA & CONTENT MARKETING Phin Wong EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Raymond Goh PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Eileen Chia CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Teo Lay Lim CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Andy Hui CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER Kaythaya Maw CHIEF TRANSFORMATION OFFICER David Pang CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER Joanna Ho HEAD, CORPORATE MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Fen Peh HEAD, HUMAN RESOURCES Maureen Wee EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Young Lim ([email protected]) DIGITAL EDITOR Tan Guan Lin ([email protected]) WRITER Teo Jing Yuan ([email protected]) CREATIVE SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Nonie Chen ([email protected]) ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Kristy Quah ([email protected]) PHOTOGRAPHY CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER / VIDEOGRAPHER Veronica Tay ([email protected]) SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER / VIDEOGRAPHER Phyllicia Wang ([email protected]) PHOTOGRAPHER / VIDEOGRAPHER Athirah Annissa ([email protected]) Lawrence Teo ([email protected]) ADMINISTRATION & EDITORIAL SUPPORT SENIOR MANAGER Juliana Chong ([email protected]) ASSISTANT MANAGER Cynthia Lee ([email protected]) Wendy Wong ([email protected]) MARKETING & MEDIA SOLUTIONS HEAD, SALES Christopher Chan ([email protected]) LUXURY & RETAIL (FASHION, WATCHES, JEWELLERY) Irene Tan ([email protected]) BANKING, TECH & TELCO Ellen Lee ([email protected]) GOVERNMENT & EDUCATION Yvonne Wong ([email protected]) HOME & ESSENTIALS (PROPERTY, FMCG & RECREATION) Stella Yeo ([email protected]) GROWTH (BEAUTY & NEW PARTNERSHIPS) Josephine Lee ([email protected]) Martin Boey ([email protected]) For sales enquiries, please contact Maggie at [email protected] MARKETING BRAND & MARKETING LEAD Lin Shao Mei ([email protected]) MANAGER Chloe Chow ([email protected]) Home & Decor is published by SPH Lifestyle Media, a division of SPH Media Limited, 1000 Toa Payoh North, S318994, Tel: 6319-6319 Distributed by Circulation Department, SPH Media Limited, Singapore registration no.: 202120748H Printed by Times Printers. Copyright@2022 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed or implied in Home & Decor are those of the authors or contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. MCI (P) 060/12/2021 Expiry date: 30/11/2022. For back issues, e-mail: [email protected] Subscribe online: www.homeanddecor.com.sg 6

EDITOR’S NOTE GOOD TO BE YOUNG Back in my youth (the early eighties), my parents did not have much access to childsized furniture, neither did they have much ideas on how to make my room as beautiful as it was functional. I believe a lot of other parents would have adopted such utilitarian approaches to their children’s rooms as well. Thankfully, the scene has changed quite a bit, with more stores and brands catering to children available on the market today. Parents now are spoilt for choice when it comes to kids room design. Seeing some of the beautifully styled children’s rooms in the local storefronts makes me wish I can relive my childhood in those spaces. If you have just welcomed the arrival of a new member to your family, or are expecting one, congratulations! On top of the excitement, you will also have the opportunity to make sure you put together a room where your little tike can grow up in an environment that allows them the freedom to imagine, explore and feel secure in. Naturally, as children grow up fast, this space also needs to be versatile but that is where a good interior designer can be of help. Aside from creating the right look, advice on ways to create ample storage and the use of modular furniture can help to ġÁėä Á ÚĂĆěàΎʼn Ņĩĩġ ƉäŰĆÙěä enough to accomodate for his/ her needs as he/she grows. 'ĢĔĩű ƉĆłłĆĢú őĂŅĩŖúĂ the pages in this issue with your little one, and I hope our features will inspire you to help your child achieve a room of his/her dreams. See you again in August. YOUNG LIM EDITOR- IN-CHIEF photography ANGELA GUO art direction NONIE CHEN

MORE INTERIOR STYLES FROM OUR ONLINE IMAGE LIBRARY W W W. H O M E A N D D E C O R . C O M . S G Check out popular blog posts of the month SIGHTS & INSPIRATION Follow us @Homeanddecor_sg for the latest news, events and happenings about town. YOUR ENHANCED DESIGN JOURNEY INCLUDES: THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF H&D TV WITH VIDEO PLAYLISTS & MORE THE LATEST STYLE TIPS, TREND STORIES AND DESIGN FEATURES EXCITING GIVEAWAYS AND EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AN IMMERSIVE ONLINE EXPERIENCE! AVAILABLE ON DESKTOPS & ALL MOBILE DEVICES. REAL-TIME DESIGN UPDATES www.facebook.com/ homeanddecor.singapore The latest on home decor and shopping scoops. THIS MONTH ON OUR “STUDYROOMS TO DIE FOR” BOARD www.pinterest.com/homeanddecorsg

BOSCH SPECIAL RECLAIM PRECIOUS TIME WITH EFFORTLESS EFFICIENCY If you’re frequently lamenting lost minutes spent doing dishes in the kitchen, an appliance upgrade may be in the stars for you. Time is a precious commodity, and you deserve to reclaim yours to spend on the things that really matter - your little ones, your family, hobbies or pet. There’s no shortage of chores to complete in our fast-paced world, and yet we never seem to have time for it all. As the world’s Number One brand for dishwashers, Bosch brings the best in modern-day appliances, marrying together vital elements to build a machine that serves your every need. Imbued with cuttingedge German engineering, every Bosch dishwasher is energy efficient and cleverly designed to provide optimum cleaning. These traits contribute to an excellent user experience that befits all lifestyles, making the brand’s range of machines the perfect partner for every busy household - yours included. Strapped for time with no clean dishes to spare? Bosch’s spacious Series 6 and Series 8 models provide plenty of room for your dishes, cutlery, and glassware, leaving no stray sauce bowl behind. They’re also equipped with the advanced SpeedPerfect+ option, delivering a complete load faster by reducing rinse times by up to 66 per cent. A Bosch dishwasher does more than give the perfect wash; these snazzy machines come with the PerfectDry function, equipped with Zeolith technology that harnesses natural minerals to convert humidity to heat. This clever feat results in thoroughlydry dishes that are achieved using 20 per cent less energy in comparison to conventional dishwashers, making your dishwasher an incredibly sound ecofriendly investment. It’s not just convenience you’re getting with Bosch - You’ll also be keeping your family and loved ones safe with every wash. Bosch dishwashers come with an Intensive 70°C heavy-duty programme that utilises high temperatures to eliminate 99.9 per cent of germs and bacteria, and 100 per cent of stubborn residue on glass, ceramic, and even plastic. Your dishes come out good as new and completely safe from all things unsavoury - visible and invisible alike. These machines are also an absolute dream to operate. With energysaving measures and a silence program, you can quite literally rest assured while your dishes are washed in the quietest operation mode. The smart Wi-Fi capabilities on selected models also ensure optimum home connectivity, allowing you to control your dishwasher with ease. A multitude of programmes allow you to choose an option that best serves your needs. Space-wise, homeowners with smaller kitchens aren’t automatically excluded - the Bosch Series 4 Freestanding Compact Dishwasher is small, but effective! Expect top-notch performance regardless the size. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that with Bosch, you’ll be saving time, water, and energy, just as millions have with their Bosch dishwashers. BOSCH Reclaim your time with your very own Bosch dishwasher at the Bosch x Lazada 7.7 Home Appliance Fiesta: The Offline Edition from 7th to 8th July 2023. Enjoy up to 60% off when you spend a minimum of $800 and receive vouchers and freebies for selected purchases at the Bosch Experience Centre.

FEATURE DESIGNS TO GROW INTO The right bedroom design is more than just aesthetics or functionality - it’s the perfectly balanced marriage of both. Our design experts weigh in on the issue. Designing a bedroom for a child may seem like a piece of cake, but experts agree there’s more than meets the eye. From design basics like colour schemes ÁĢà ùŖŅĢĆʼnĂĆĢúʼn őĩ ƈĢÁě additions like art, lighting, and decorations, here’s our list of 10 things to pay attention to in putting together a bedroom your child can grow into. PHOTO COLLECTIVE DESIGNS STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR SOFT FRIENDS Every child has their fair share of soft friends and huggable plush ÁĢĆġÁěʼn͡ ÁĢà őĂÁőΎʼn łäŅùäÚőěű ƈĢä͠ And, as your child grows, you can count on their collections őĩ äŰłÁĢà ĆĢ ʼnĆġĆěÁŅ ùÁʼnĂĆĩĢ͠ From art supplies and board games to books and various other collectibles, your child will need ʼnłÁÚä őĩ ĆĢàŖěúä őĂäĆŅ ĂĩÙÙĆäʼn͠ This necessitates an abundance of storage in the bedroom, which can be incorporated into the ĩŪäŅÁěě ÙäàŅĩĩġ àäʼnĆúĢ ùĩŅ ƉÁĆŅ ÁĢà ùŖĢÚőĆĩĢ ÙĩőĂ͠ `Áėä Ŗʼnä ĩù awkward corners in the space, and don’t be afraid to build upwards Ćù ƉĩĩŅ ʼnłÁÚä Ćʼn ʼnłÁŅʼnä͠ ffiŖĆěà drawers into the bottom of the bed; it’ll give your little one extra Ņĩĩġ ùĩŅ ʼnőĩŅĆĢú őĂäĆŅ ʼnőŖƅäà animals, and completely deprive monsters of their prime hiding spot to boot! SELINA TAY PRINCIPAL DESIGNER OF COLLECTIVE DESIGNS 10

PHOTOS COLLECTIVE DESIGNS While every child’s bedroom needs plenty of storage, it pays off aesthetically to work it into the overall design of the space. 11

PHOTO SPACEONE INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTANCY VERSATILITY FOR GROWTH It can be tempting to forego adultonly necessities in a room meant ùĩŅ ėĆàʼn͠ DĩūäŪäŅ͡ ĆőΎʼn ĆġłĩŅőÁĢő to consider that your kids will úŅĩū Ŗł͠ €ěÁĢĢĆĢú ÁĂäÁà ūĆěě ÚŖő down on a lot of hassle in the future, ensuring longevity for your design with less updating needed to accommodate the growth ĩù űĩŖŅ ÚĂĆěà͠ głő ùĩŅ ěĆúĂőĆĢú that can double up as work or study lamps, and make sure you have enough plug points for the bevy of devices your child will ʼnŖŅäěű úŅĩū őĩ Ģääà͠ ƒäġäġÙäŅ͢ you’re not just designing for your child; you’re also designing for the young adult they will ÙäÚĩġä͠ ĩ ÁÚÚĩġġĩàÁőä őĂä needs of growing children, €ŅĆĢÚĆłÁě #äʼnĆúĢäŅ ‡äěĆĢÁ ÁĢà DäÁà #äʼnĆúĢäŅ UÁĢä ĩù fflĩěěäÚőĆŪä #äʼnĆúĢ ŅäÚĩġġäĢà ÚŅäÁőĆĢú ÁłłäÁěĆĢú͡ łŅĩàŖÚőĆŪä àäʼnė ÁŅäÁʼn͠ These areas naturally include adequate lighting and book and supply storage, not forgetting appropriate electrical outlets and cable management solutions to ʼnŖłłĩŅő őäÚĂĢĩěĩúĆÚÁě Ģääàʼn͠ Your child’s bedroom design should be versatile, thus allowing for easy adjustments as they grow. ADRIAN HENG FOUNDER, SPACEONE INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTANCY

UNSUBSCRIBING TO TRENDS Nikki believes that parents need to be mindful of decorating with passing microtrends, as these can ŪäŅű ńŖĆÚėěű ÙäÚĩġä àÁőäà͠ ΋Ģ ĩÙʼnäʼnʼnĆĩĢ ūĆőĂ Ăä ZĆőőěä `äŅġÁĆà ĩŅ €ĩūäŅ ƒÁĢúäŅʼn ġÁű ĩĢěű ěÁʼnő Á few months, so keep such themed items to soft furnishings that can be replaced like cushions or Ùäà ʼnĂääőʼn͠Ό fflÁŅġäĢ͡ #äʼnĆúĢ #ĆŅäÚőĩŅ ĩù ©ĩěù ©ĩĩù ÙäěĆäŪäʼn őĂä ʼnÁġä͡ ΋¯ĩŖŅ ėĆà ĩĢěű ĂÁʼn ĩĢä ÚĂÁĢÚä őĩ Ùä Á ėĆà͠ While you won’t want to deny them the chance to live their childhood, you want the bedroom to be versatile enough to grow with your kid’s Ģääàʼn͠ ŅäÁà őĂä őĂĆĢ ěĆĢä ÙäőūääĢ making them happy and not having it Úĩʼnő ÁĢ ÁŅġ ĩŅ ěäú őĩ äŰäÚŖőä͠Ό PHOTOS DESIGN INTERVENTION SAFETY STANDARDS When it comes to the kids’ bedroom, safety is of utmost ĆġłĩŅőÁĢÚä͠ ffiäÚÁŖʼnä ÚĂĆěàŅäĢ őäĢà to have energetic bursts that bring them zipping around the space Áő őĂä ʼnłääà ĩù ěĆúĂő͡ Ćő łÁűʼn ĩƅ őĩ consider all the ways they could ÁÚÚĆàäĢőÁěěű ĂŖŅő őĂäġʼnäěŪäʼn͠ `Áėä ʼnŖŅä űĩŖ àĩĢΎő łěÁÚä ÁĢű furniture beside windows, as climbers can easily make their ūÁűʼn Ŗł őĩ łĩőäĢőĆÁě łäŅĆě͠ aĆėėĆ DŖĢő͡ €ŅĆĢÚĆłÁě #äʼnĆúĢäŅ ĩù #äʼnĆúĢ HĢőäŅŪäĢőĆĩĢ ʼnĂÁŅäʼn͡ ΋<ŅĆěěʼn ĩĢ ÙÁěÚĩĢĆäʼn ÚÁĢ Ùä unsightly, but the new ‘invisible grills’ are barely noticeable while still providing adequate łŅĩőäÚőĆĩĢ͠Ό ‡Ăä Áěʼnĩ ÁàŪĆʼnäʼn łÁŅäĢőʼn to opt for rounded corners in furnishings, eschewing sharp edges that can cause injuries ūĂäĢ ėĢĩÚėäà ĆĢőĩ͠ ΋‡ěĩūͿÚěĩʼnĆĢú hinges can also prevent little ƈĢúäŅʼn ùŅĩġ ÙäĆĢú őŅÁłłäà ĆĢ àŅÁūäŅʼn͠Ό This seat checks all the boxes: safety, by merit of being circular in design, comfort and colour, and hidden storage all in one. NIKKI HUNT PRINCIPAL DESIGNER OF DESIGN INTERVENTION 13

STAIN AWAY It’s an inevitable fact of life that kids will make ġäʼnʼnäʼn ÁĢà ʼnőÁĆĢʼn͠ `ĆőĆúÁőä őĂĆʼn Ùű łŅĩőäÚőĆĢú űĩŖŅ ʼnĩùő ùŖŅĢĆʼnĂĆĢúʼn͠ fflĂĩĩʼnä ʼnőÁĆĢͿúŖÁŅàäà ùÁÙŅĆÚʼn ùĩŅ sofas and chairs, include a water-proof mattress protector in bed, and opt for furniture pieces that are made using durable and easy-to-clean materials - as ġŖÚĂ Áʼn łĩʼnʼnĆÙěä͡ ÁŪĩĆà ÙŅäÁėÁÙěä Ćőäġʼn͠ Ăä úĩÁě Ćʼn to ensure your child’s bedroom design endures the accidents of your kids, from spills to stray crayon ġÁŅėʼn ÁěĆėä͠ gù őĂĆʼn͡ àŅĆÁĢ͡ ùĩŖĢàäŅ ĩù ‡łÁÚägĢä HĢőäŅĆĩŅ #äʼnĆúĢ fflĩĢʼnŖěőÁĢÚű ÁàŪĆʼnäʼn łÁŅäĢőʼn őĩ ÁŪĩĆà ūÁěěͿÚĩŪäŅĆĢúʼn ĩŅ ùÁÙŅĆÚ ÚěÁààĆĢú ùĩŅ ūÁěěʼn Dä ʼnĂÁŅäʼn͢ ΋‡őĆÚė őĩ łÁĆĢő őĂÁőΎʼn äÁʼnű ùĩŅ ġÁĆĢőäĢÁĢÚä͠Ό The Design Intervention team worked a chalkboard wall into this child’s bedroom, allowing them to indulge their creative side. PHOTOS DESIGN INTERVENTION Soft pastels are perfectly balanced in this bedroom, further dressed up for comfort with plush materials and bedding. NURTURING DESIGN DREAMS A kid’s bedroom isn’t merely a space to sleep in; it’s Áěʼnĩ őĂä ÙŅĆàúä őĩ űĩŖŅ ÚĂĆěàΎʼn ĆġÁúĆĢÁőĆĩĢ͠ ʼnė űĩŖŅ little ones for their opinion - from the colour of the Ņĩĩġ͡ őĩ ūĂĆÚĂ ĩù őĂäĆŅ őĩűʼn ʼnĂĩŖěà úĩ ĩĢ àĆʼnłěÁű͠ ĂĆʼn łŅĩŪĆàäʼn ʼnłÁÚä őĩ ĢŖŅőŖŅä őĂäĆŅ ÚŅäÁőĆŪä ʼnĆàäʼn͠ ‡äěĆĢÁ ÁĢà UÁĢä ÙäěĆäŪä őĂÁő őĂä Ùäʼnő ÚĂĆěàŅäĢΎʼn bedrooms are spaces that inspire imagination and łěÁűùŖěĢäʼnʼn ūĂĆěä äġłĂÁʼnĆʼnĆĢú ʼnÁùäőű͠ ΋©ä Áěʼnĩ ÙäěĆäŪä ĆĢ łäŅʼnĩĢÁěĆʼnÁőĆĩĢ àŖŅĆĢú őĂä àäʼnĆúĢ łŅĩÚäʼnʼn͡Ό Ăäű ʼnĂÁŅä͠ ΋©ä ĆĢÚěŖàä Á ŹĩĢä ĆĢ őĂä Ņĩĩġ őĩ äŰĂĆÙĆő őĂä child’s creativity and individuality, such as magnetic ūĂĆőäÙĩÁŅàʼn͡ ūÁʼnĂͿĩƅ łÁĆĢőäà ūÁěěʼn͡ ĩŅ Á ÚěÁʼnʼnĆÚ łĆĢ ÙŖěěäőĆĢ ÙĩÁŅà͠Ό 14

Tips provided by: ID: Adrian Heng, Founder, Spaceone Interior Design Consultancy www.spaceoneidc.com ID: Nikki Hunt, Principal Designer, Design Intervention www designintervention. com.sg ID: Carmen Tang, Design Director of Wolf Woof www.wolfwoof.com.sg ID: Selina Tay, Principal Designer, and Jane Febrina, Head Designer of Collective Designs www.collectivedesigns. com.sg PHOTO WOLF WOOF HERE FOR A GOOD TIME, NOT A LONG TIME If your child is particularly taken with wall art, let them have it! €ĆÚė ĩłőĆĩĢʼn ěĆėä àäÚÁěʼn͡ ùŅÁġäà artwork, and easy-remove wallpaper so you can easily swap them out when they’re no longer ūÁĢőäà͠ ĂĆʼn ūÁű͡ űĩŖΎěě Ùä ÁÙěä to provide your child with some manner of personalisation, whilst ultimately ensuring your home ġÁĆĢőÁĆĢʼn Ćőʼn ʼnőűěä ÁĢà łĩěĆʼnĂ͠ Carmen designed this room for a Super Mario Bros fan. To allow easy modifications for the child’s future obsessions, she proposed some quirky 3D Mario-themed wall decor pieces, transforming the wall above his study table into a feature wall. SOUNDPROOF FOR SUCCESS <ĆŪä űĩŖŅ ÚĂĆěà őĂä ùŅääàĩġ őĩ łěÁű Áʼn ěĩŖàěű Áʼn őĂäű ūĩŖěà ěĆėä͠ ‡ĩŖĢàłŅĩĩƈĢú Ćʼn Á ʼnĩěĆà͡ ŪĆÁÙěä ūÁű őĩ protect the peace - within the neighbourhood and ūĆőĂĆĢ űĩŖŅ ĩūĢ Ăĩġä͠ ‡őÁŅő Ùű ʼnĩŖĢàłŅĩĩƈĢú your windows; not only will this keep noise in, it’ll also keep the noise from outside out, allowing your ÚĂĆěà őĩ ʼněääł ʼnĩŖĢàěű őĂŅĩŖúĂ őĂä ĢĆúĂő͠ ¯ĩŖ ÚÁĢ also mitigate noise disruptions by ensuring you pick Á ĂäÁŪű àĩĩŅ őĩ ÚŖő őĂŅĩŖúĂ őĂä ʼnÚŅäÁġʼn ĩù łěÁű͠ Likewise, similar sound dampening materials can be Ŗʼnäà őĩ ĩŖőƈő ūÁěěʼn ÁĢà ƉĩĩŅʼn ÁěĆėä͠ COLOURS OF CALM Adrian advises that parents should keep colours pastel or in ĢäŖőŅÁěʼn͠ ààĆőĆĩĢÁě ÚĩěĩŖŅ ÁĢà decorative elements can be added ĆĢ ƈŰőŖŅäʼn͡ ùŖŅĢĆʼnĂĆĢúʼn͡ ÁĢà ʼnĩùő ùŖŅĢĆʼnĂĆĢúʼn ÁěĆėä͠ fflÁŅġäĢΎʼn őĆł ùĩŅ ÚĩĩŅàĆĢÁőĆĩĢ͢ ΋'ĢʼnŖŅä őĂÁő őĂäŅä ÁŅä ÁÚÚäĢő ÚĩěĩŖŅʼn őĩ àäƈĢä őĂä space, and secondary colours to ʼnŖłłĩŅő őĂä ùĩŅġäŅ͠Ό For this little girl’s bedroom, Carmen utilised soft pastels to create a cheerful, icecream themed space. PHOTO WOLF WOOF CARMEN TANG DESIGN DIRECTOR OF WOLF WOOF text EMMELYN MAH DON’T DOWNSIZE; RIGHTSIZE It makes very little sense to invest in child-sized miniatures that have limited usability and incur extra äŰłäĢʼnäʼn ěÁőäŅ ĩĢ àĩūĢ őĂä őŅÁÚė͠ Nikki believes that the key is to place adjustable pieces around the room, so that leg and desk heights ÚÁĢ Ùä ÁàĔŖʼnőäà Áʼn űĩŖŅ ÚĂĆěà úŅĩūʼn͠ ΋Wääł ʼnĩġä ĢĩŅġÁě ʼnĆŹäà łĆäÚäʼn ʼnŖÚĂ Áʼn őĂä Ùäà͡ ūĂĆÚĂ ÚÁĢ ĂÁŪä Á ŅäġĩŪÁÙěä ÙÁŅŅĆäŅ łěÁÚäà ĩĢ Ćő͠ Ăä wardrobe can also remain full height to maximise storage for parents, but allow for adjustable hanging ÙÁŅʼn ʼnĩ űĩŖŅ ÚĂĆěà ÚÁĢ łĆÚė őĂäĆŅ ĩūĢ ÚěĩőĂäʼnͥΌ Additionally, she encourages mixing in a few smaller pieces like child-sized armchairs, which can be ŅäÚĩŪäŅäà ĩŪäŅ őĆġä͠ 15

FEATURE LIGHT FANTASTIC Don’t be left in the dark when it comes to ensuring the health of your child’s vision. Having thoughtful and proper illumination helps to enhance the play areas while providing a conducive learning environment in the study. 16

photo NANOLEAF NANOLEAF SHAPES Let your child’s creativity shine with the Nanoleaf Shapes which feature light panels in triangles and hexagons, the two main geometric shapes to form their very own design by mixing and matching. It can be an orange dinosaur today, but a green one tomorrow when you customise the colours on the light panel via the app. SELETTI MONKEY LAMP Meet the playful Seletti Monkey Lamp, they are a bunch of cheeky and lively monkeys to bring out the fun energy in your child’s room. These lifelike monkey lamps are made of resin, and each monkey holds onto an exposed bulb in various positions from sitting, hanging, standing, and even swinging too! YULIA STRING LIGHT Drape it across the wall, wrap it around the bedframe, or hang it on the bookshelf, there are so many possibilities with Yulia String Light from Kave Home, available in beige, pink and green. Each LED comes with its own mini origami lantern for a softer, soothing glow to add to the cozy ambiance with the twinkly lights, or to elevate an empty wall by hanging the light garland up as a wall display. ISKARNA LAMP Personalise and style this funky table lamp with a bucket hat, a pair of cool sunglasses, or even a cute headband. The IKEA ISKARNA lamp comes with adjustable colours and your child can decide to go with one that matches their mood or let the lamp randomly select between seven different colours. LUMOS MOOD Bring the aurora light display home with Lumos Mood, a lighting projector and a Bluetooth speaker in one. Create an immersive visual-audio experience with three dreamy colours selections and you can also play your child’s favourite tunes to get them singing along. Retails for $189 onward from Nanoleaf, www.nanoleaf.me Retails for $520 - $700 from Journey East, www.journeyeast.com Retails for $60 from Kave Home, www. sg.kavehome.com Retails for $34.90 from IKEA, www.ikea.com.sg Retails for $99 from Lumos, www.lumosprojector.com TIP Position the play area near the windows during the day, as natural light enhances your child’s mood and creativity, along with other health benefits. photo SELETTI photo IKEA photo KAVE HOME photo LUMOS PLAYTIME Add a touch of fun with whimsical and themed light fixtures to foster an imaginative and playful environment. Choose versatile and multifunctional lighting options that can be reconfigured or repurposed to extend their useful life. 17

MOOOI PET Say hello to the friendly Moooi Pet family - Uhuh the owl, Purr the rabbit, and Noot Noot the penguin. This series of table lamps by Marcel Wanders features characters with unique personalities to have as an endearing bedtime companion Retails for $920 - $1,285 at Space Furniture, www.spacefurniture.com that your child can grow up with. The rounded and frosted glass bodies give off an ethereal glow to drift off into a blissful land of fairy tales and wonder. RIDLEY LAMP Carry the Ridley lamp from Kave Home everywhere you go with the thoughtful wooden handle design and 3 adjustable light intensity. This modern-day lantern is designed for adults and children as a portable light solution to answer nature’s call in the middle of the night. A simple charge is all it takes to light the LED-integrated lamp for up to 12 hours. MI BEDSIDE LAMP 2 All you need is a simple touch on the Mi Bedside Lamp 2 and you can unlock the greatness of this minimalistic lamp with over 16 million coloured lights to choose from. As a smart-compatible lamp, you can control the lamp easily with your voice, or even remotely via the app. Automate the smart lamp with your child’s sleep and wake schedule to regulate a natural circadian rhythm. BLÅVINGAD SOFT TOY Your cuddly eight-legged friend, BLÅVINGAD octopus soft toy from IKEA is here to keep your child feeling all safe and snug. A gentle press on the octopus’ head illuminates the dark room with a soft whispering glow for the coziest comfort. Thanks to the removable battery-operated lamp, the octopus plushie is safe for your child to play and cuddle with. BIANELLA LAMP Wrapped in soft velvet cotton on the base with a white fabric shade on the top, the Bianella lamp from Kave Home adds a subtle touch of mustard or beige colour to the room. It fits in perfectly to a children’s room for bedtime stories and heart-to-heart talks, since the Bianella lamp is designed in a mini version with a slightly shorter height, compared to regular table lamps. photo SPACE FURNITURE Retails for $70 at Kave Home, www.sg.kavehome.com Retails for $69 at Hipvan, www. hipvan.com Retails for $24.90 at IKEA, www.ikea.com.sg Retails for $60 at Kave Home, www.sg.kavehome.com photo KAVE HOME photo IKEA photo KAVE HOME NIGHT LIGHT Night lights are a great bedtime routine support, but they should be turned off once your child is asleep. Most sleep studies have shown that light exposure in the dark signals your brain that it is time to wake up. One study also found that low levels of light exposure affect children’s circadian system more than adults. Therefore, a night light should only be used when you need it to safely move around a dark room, or if your child has a fear of being in the dark. A night light should also be on the dimmest possible setting while being positioned as far away from the bed. According to Dr Erin E. Flynn-Evans, who worked at the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School Medicine, red light has the smallest effect on the circadian rhythm. Avoid the use of blue, green, white, and white night lights as these have a greater impact on your child’s body clock. photo XIAOMI BEDTIME Tuck your child into bed with comforting night lights emitting warm colour temperatures. Aside from helping young ones to wind down and ease them into a restful state, ambient lights also provide a gentle glow and a sense of security for them. 18

19 text JYN TEO KRUX WORK LAMP Make study time less dreary with an adorable KRUX Work Lamp that provides essential task lighting while jazzing up a lifeless study desk. It is a curious creature with perked-up ears attached and adjustable parts, bringing out the fun in function for drawing and writing with its playful and lively design elements. Retails for $55 from IKEA, www.ikea.com.sg photo IKEA STUDY TIME Opt for cool white light for your child’s study area to enhance your child’s visual clarity and focus on reading and writing. Pair a ceiling lamp with an adjustable desk lamp to ensure that the room is well-lit without any shadow or glare on the desk. photo SPACE FURNITURE KARTELL FL/Y Reminiscent of soap bubbles with shimmering light reflections, the Kartell FL/Y kids suspension lamp is a bubbly and fun addition to your children’s room. Designed by an Italian designer, Ferruccio Laviani in three different sizes and a multitude of colour variations, including kids-friendly graphical options, such as stars and dinosaurs. ISNALEN WORK LAMP Simple and easy to operate, the ISNALEN work lamp from IKEA ($29.90) features a flexible gooseneck for your child to direct the light source independently. Unlike traditional cone-shaped work lamps, you do not have to worry about blowing the bulb, since it uses an integrated LED bulb. The ISNALEN work lamp is also available in a bold red colour. Retails for $730 from Space Furniture, www.spacefurniture.com Retails for $29.90 from IKEA, www.ikea.com.sg KENNE BELL Create a calm and conducive study environment with the Kenne Bell pendant lamp from Hipvan. With up to six light pastel shades to choose from, there is definitely a colour that your child would love. Accented with a touch of wood, this Nordic-style pendant lamp is ideal for brightening up your child’s study corner. Retails for $55 from Hipvan, www.hipvan.com photo HIPVAN photo IKEA MI DESK LAMP PRO Bid goodbye to eye fatigue with the Mi Desk Lamp Pro, which is eye-safe certified by keeping your child’s eyes protected from harmful blue light and flickers. One lamp is all it takes to effectively illuminate the entire study table. It also comes with focus and study modes with the ideal light setting for a better performance of each task. Retails for $99 from Takashimaya, www.takashimiya.com.sg photo XIAOMI

FEATURE Having issues with your little one kicking up a fuss when bedtime draws near? Don’t worry, it’s a common challenge that many parents face. A fellow parent himself, Siblings Vivien and JeremyTeo, who are parents themselves, were in a similar situation and decided to take action by sourcing for items to create a beautiful bedtime space for their children. Founders of retail outlet Kids Haven, they stock their gallery with plenty of ideas for decking out your child’s room. Here are some inspiration along with other ideas for a stylish child’s room. SWEET DREAMS Make bedtime easier with a space your child loves. LOCATION KIDSHEAVEN ROARING ADVENTURES Step into a wild wonderland with a captivating animal safari-themed kids’ room. Immerse your little explorer in a world of vibrant colors, playful animal prints, and enchanting jungle murals. Oslo ModBed Low House Bed with Pullout bed, available from KidsHeaven. LOOK 1 20

LOOK 2 STELLAR DREAMS Embark on a galactic adventure in your room. Step into a mesmerising galaxy-themed wonderland, where twinkling stars and colorful planets adorn the walls. Spark your child’s imagination as they explore the mysteries of space while they countdown to sleeptime. Oslo ModBed Ultra High Loft with Long Table and Shelf, available from KidsHeaven. photography VERONICA TAY styling & concept NONIE CHEN assist by MAN 21

DINOSAURS Unleash prehistoric fun and excitement with a dinosaur-inspired room. Roaring T-Rexes, graceful Brachiosauruses, and spiky Stegosauruses bring the Jurassic era to life. This theme ignites imagination and sparks curiosity about ancient creatures, allowing your child’s room to become a captivating time machine to the land of dinosaurs. TREND 1 Discover the boundless possibilities ofAI-driven design as we explore four ofthe latesttrends for kids rooms. From the allure of geometric patterns to the calming pastel pink palette, and the enchantingworlds of under the sea and dinosaurs, a­œâœ,ʌ’Þœ†éœ˜ âۆ’œâ ÐđœÞ °Éâ۰ކé°ÐÉú­œÉ ĀÐî †Þœ transforming your child’s space into a haven ideal for rest and play. Using these creations as a moodboardwhen renovating helps provide youwith a better idea ofthe look youwantto achieve.You can also bring along this magazinewhen sourcing for items that you need to realise your child’s dream space. EMBRACE CREATIVE INSPIRATION: AI-GENERATED TRENDS FOR KIDS ROOM DESIGN 22

PINK PALETTE Create a dreamy and serene ambiance with a pastel pink palette. Soft hues of blush and cotton candy lend a gentle and calming atmosphere, perfect for nurturing relaxation and creativity. Embrace this timeless and versatile color scheme to bring a touch of elegance and sweetness to your child’s space. TREND 2 23

GEOMETRIC PATTERNS Infuse your child’s room with energy and style using captivating geometric patterns. From bold triangles and squares to intricate hexagons, these designs add a modern and dynamic touch, creating a vibrant and stimulating environment for young minds to thrive. TREND 3 24

UNDER THE SEA Dive into a world of wonder and adventure ūĆőĂ ÁĢ ŖĢàäŅ őĂä ʼnäÁ őĂäġä͠ 'ŰłěĩŅä ÁĢ ĩÚäÁĢĆÚ ŅäÁěġ ƈěěäà ūĆőĂ playful dolphins, friendly sea turtles, and colorful coral reefs. This immersive design stimulates imagination and curiosity, transporting your child to an enchanting underwater paradise. TREND 4 GLAMPING CHIC Children enjoy building castles out of pillows and tents out of blankets. Now you can allow them to indulge in a spending nights within a tent without having to weather the elements with a tented bed setting. Not only does it make the room feel cosier, it also helps to create a safe nook to curl up in. TREND 5 25

FEATURE FROM CRIB TO COMFORT The ultimate sleepy-time comforts for health and happiness PHOTO SUNDAY BEDDING SIZE MATTERS, BUT SO DOES SPACE A crib may seem unnecessary, especially for a fast-growing child, but on the contrary: It plays a crucial role in your infant’s growth and development. Not only is it the safest option, providing a cocoon that mitigates the potential of falls, it also allows your baby to enjoy independent sleep. Some cribs are even convertible, and can eventually convert into toddler beds to see more years of use! It also makes a lot of sense to ĩŖőƈő űĩŖŅ ÚĂĆěàΎʼn ÙäàŅĩĩġ ūĆőĂ a full-sized bed. However, you Parents strive to create a safe and nurturing environment for their children, extending this to every aspect of their lives. One such area? The bedroom, bed, and bedding. The choices we make in bedding selection can profoundly impact their health, quality of sleep, and overall development. From the materials we choose to the potential of allergens, a myriad of elements require design consideration. need to pay attention to how much ʼnńŖÁŅä ùĩĩőÁúä űĩŖ ÚÁĢ ÁƅĩŅà͠ While a double bed is tempting for co-sleeping and sharing if you have more than one child, it can Ùä àĆƆÚŖěő őĩ ĔŖʼnőĆùű Ćù Ćő őÁėäʼn Ŗł őĩĩ ġŖÚĂ ƉĩĩŅ ʼnłÁÚä͠ HĢ őĂä äŪäĢő your children have to share a room, consider building upwards, with double decker beds that provide comfort without taking Ŗł őĩĩ ġŖÚĂ łŅäÚĆĩŖʼn ƉĩĩŅ ʼnłÁÚä͠ Ģà Ćù űĩŖ ƈĢà űĩŖŅʼnäěù őŅÁłłäà between a single and a queen, go the middle route and get a super single instead! Sunday Bedding’s checkered bamboo bedding will keep your baby’s sensitive skin safe and happy. 26

THE IMPORTANCE OF SPINAL SUPPORT Because their bones and bodies are still undergoing growth and development, your children need a mattress that provides adequate spinal support. Crucially, the right mattress is essential for helping them to maintain proper alignment, promote healthy PHOTO IKEA IKEA’s SUNDVIK bed comes with an extendable frame to accommodate your child’s growth. PHOTOS SUNDAY BEDDING LEFT Experts recommend a mediumfirm mattress for children, to ensure optimum development of their bones and posture. INVEST IN A GOOD MATTRESS THAT WILL LAST YOUR CHILD FOR YEARS. postures, and prevent potential musculoskeletal issues from developing in the long run. Experts generally recommend Á ġäàĆŖġͿƈŅġ Ùäà ūĂĆÚĂ ÚÁĢ provide much-needed support while allowing the spine to grow and align correctly. The right mattress will also distribute your child’s weight evenly as they sleep, alleviating pressure points and reducing the risk of discomfort and pain. Don’t forget to choose the right pillows to supplement your child’s mattress. Back, side, and front sleepers require àĆƅäŅäĢő őűłäʼn ĩù łĆěěĩūʼn for optimum comfort and support, so make sure your child has a say in the type of pillow they want to cuddle up with. The bottom line: Invest in a good mattress that will last your child for years. The right mattress won’t just support their spinal growth; it’ll also ensure they sleep soundly through the night and wake up fresh, rested, and rejuvenated, leading to longőäŅġ ĂäÁěőĂ ÙäĢäƈőʼn Áʼn ūäěě as improved mental acuity. 27

PHOTO ROBINSONS ALLAYING ALLERGIES If your child is prone to allergic reactions - from sneezing to skin issues as a result of sensitivity, then you’ll want to make sure their bedding does not exacerbate said issues. Because we spend so many hours sleeping a day, our skin is frequently in contact with our bedding, and that means it’s imperative we make the right decisions here. Hypoallergenic mattresses, pillows, and bedding are key for keeping away the allergens. Likewise, you’ll want Choose bedsheets that will keep your child comfortable and cool throughout the night. Robinsons’ Hotel Collection Cool Bamboo bedsheets fits the bill! PHOTO ROBINSONS PHOTO ROBINSONS to select soft furnishings that are breathable, so as to keep your child cool and comfy all night long. Bamboo Sateen bed sheets are a great option for those with sensitive skin! Because bamboo traps less dust in comparison with cotton and polyester, it leaves less room for allergens in bed. As a material, it is also relatively quick to dry, which makes it a great choice for kids’ bedding, which generally requires more washing to be rid of stains. OUR SKIN IS FREQUENTLY IN CONTACT WITH OUR BEDDING, AND THAT MEANS IT’S IMPERATIVE WE MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS. 28

PHOTO ROBINSONS If your kids suffer from skin rashes and allergies, hypoallergenic bedding is the answer: pillows, mattress toppers, and everything in between. DOUBTLESS DURABILITY While an infant likely won’t give you too much trouble, toddlers and young children have a tendency to incur wear and tear. This includes the mattress, pillows, soft furnishings, and bedsheets, all of which need to be made to last. No matter how many times you ask your child not to, they’re still going to jump on their mattress - and that’s why it’s important to make sure you get one that can withstand the onslaught of their little feet! Likewise, kids’ soft furnishings PROTECT YOUR MATTRESS While a mattress protector is a good idea in general, it makes particular sense for young children who may have the occasional accident or spill in the bedroom. A waterproof protector allows you to easily clean the mess afterwards, thus keeping your mattress in prime condition for a longer period of time. LEFT Protect your mattress with a waterproof cover to mitigate damage from bedwetting and spills. PHOTO KING KOIL and bedding are more prone to staining and accidents, and so need to be washed more frequently. Both French Linen and Cotton are fuss free and durable! Linen sheets can last up to 10 years or more. A bonus point is that they get softer with each wash, becoming a comfortable cocoon that blankets your child in comfort. Cotton, however, is an incredibly versatile material and a perennial classic beloved by hotels the world over. PHOTO 123RF.COM text EMMELYN MAH 29

DRINK DEEPLY RUHENS’ latest flagship purifier is making waves! The RUHENS Quint features a lead-free filtration system and patented Acuva IntenseBeamTM technology to achieve 99.999% microbial inactivation. Convenience is perfectly balanced alongside sustainability, with 5 temperature settings and a quantity control feature to avoid wastage. The Quint also features selfsterilising nozzles and filters, childsafe dispensing, and low electricity consumption to maintain ecofriendly ratings - all while guaranteeing clean and safe water to keep your family hydrated. The RUHENS Quint is priced at $2,599 and available for purchase at RUHENS Studios. UPCYCLED EXCELLENCE In collaboration with Commune, Bynd Artisan has released a magical new range of upcycled products. Made with œ†é­œÞ Ðđʌ’îéâ œ¦éÐùœÞ ¦ÞÐÈ Commune’s sofas, these small, but impactful accessories will breathe sustainability into your surroundings, adding contemporary luxe to any home ambiance. The simplistic, and yet stunning collection comprises † œ†é­œÞ éކĀʣ ‘œùœÞ†§œ 醧âʣ coasters, a coaster holder, a desk ­Ð˜œÞʣ âé†Þʌ⭆ۜ˜ ’­†ÞÈâʣ †É˜ † †ÈÛ⭆˜œ ʌ †Â ۜަœ’éÂĀ made to order. Set of 6 Leather Beverage Tags retail at S$30, Set of 4 Leather Charms at $45, Leather Desk Holder and Leather Tray at $50, Set of 10 Leather Coasters at $70, and Leather Lampshade at $495. Available for purchase online and in-store at Bynd Artisan and Commune. Visit www. byndartisan.com and https://thecommunelife. com for more information. 30

WASH, WEAR, WALLS Say goodbye to stained walls with Akzo Nobel’s Dulux Wash & Wear interior paints! The updated range incorporates a new matt finish, providing peace for busy homeowners requiring lowmaintenance wall paints that can withstand the messes of toddlers and furbabies alike. And provide it does, with hasslefree cleaning and innovative Silver Ion Technology that protects against certain viruses, bacteria, and mould. How’s that for a wash of paint? Over 2,000 colours are available from your nearest Dulux provider. Visit www.dulux.com.sg/ en/dulux-wash-and-wear for more information. AN ICON TO ORBIT Italian connoisseurs of design Pininfarina and Calligaris presented a restyling of their iconic Orbital table for the latter’s 100th Anniversary. Perfectly balanced extensions are maintained by way of metal arms, bearing an elliptical structure with ease. Newly restyled to highlight cleaner and lighter lines, the Orbital allows for customisation in materials, with its base available in new metal, wood, or regenerated leather coverings and its top in glass, ceramic, or bronze. The Orbital table price differs across custom options. Check for a quote at Calligaris Store Suntec and XZQT stores nationwide. Visit www. xzqt.com.sg for more information. ONE DYSON TO RULE THEM ALL Dyson’s very first Submarine Wet Roller Head, now available with the Dyson V12s Detect Slim Submarine vacuum, is impressive in both form and function. Outfitted with an eight-point hydration system, these roller heads deliver even water distribution for a pristine finish, effectively tackling spills, stains, and small debris to keep your home sparkling clean. Use for pesky spots under furniture, deep cleaning carpets and rugs, and capturing stray hairs and revel in the joys of spotless floors!99.999 per cent of fine dust. The Dyson V12s Detect Slim Submarine retails at $1,299, and is available at all Dyson Demo Stores and on www.dyson.com.sg EDITOR’S CHOICE 31

Pioneers of premium sanitaryware îކù°é ¼Ð°Éâ ­†É˜â ú°é­ ˜œâ°§ÉœÞ Sebastian Herkner (below) to present the Zencha bathroom collection, bridging Japanese inspiration and German technology. Drawing inspiration from the tranquil, ritualistic nature of Japanese tea ceremonies, the ’ÐÂœ’é°ÐÉ ¦œ†éîޜ⠘°âé°É’é°ùœ ¦ÐÞÈâʢ ‘†é­éî‘âʣ †‘Ðùœʌ’ÐîÉéœÞ ‘†â°Éâʣ †É˜ minimalistic modular furnishings. Crafted from DuraCeram and îކZа˜ʣ 魜 â†É°é†ÞĀ ĝéé°É§â ÐđœÞ ˜îކ‘°Â°éĀ †É˜ œÂœ§†É’œʣ ú­°Âœ wood and textured glass furnishings ÛÞÐù°˜œ †ÈÛœ âéÐކ§œ †É˜ † pleasing tactile experience. For more information, visit www. duravit.com, or book an appointment at the Duravit Singapore showroom at 63 Tras Street. CULTURE-STEEPED SANCTUARY 32

PURE AIR PERFECTION Keep your home safe from harmful bacteria with LG’s latest launch. Despite its compact size, the PuriCare 360° Hit Air Purifier packs a punch with its multi-filtration system and 360-degree design, providing optimum air purification by removing bacteria, viruses, allergens, harmful gases, and 99.999 per cent of ultra-fine dust particles. Convenience becomes the PuriCare 360; it can also be accessed remotely via the LG ThinQ app, allowing for seamless control wherever you are. The Nespresso Vertuo Pop in Pacific Blue retails at $249. Get yours at all Nespresso boutiques or online at www. nespresso.com/sg/ A POP OF COLOUR The LG PuriCare 360° Hit Air Purifier retails at $399, and can be found at LG official brand stores and authorised retailers Amazon, Audio House, Best Denki, Courts, Gain City and Harvey Norman. Summer just got breezier with Nespresso’s limited edition Vertuo Pop in Pacific Blue! The smallest Vertuo is also the most stylish - and packs a fantastic punch to boot. This little powerhouse has quick start and power saving features, and can brew your favourite beverages with a single touch! Don’t forget to augment your dreamy coffee rituals with Nespresso’s Californian Dream Summer Collection pods, featuring crisp, refreshing flavours best enjoyed over ice. Sharp has launched their latest in air quality technology! Their new Purefit Plasmacluster Air Purifier aims to achieve unparalleled air purification, incorporating plasmacluster ion technology which eliminates airborne substances like viruses, mould, bacteria, pollen, and dust. Collaborative studies with numerous Japanese universities have also unearthed other benefits of air purification through plasmacluster technology: most notably the reduction of stress, improved concentration, and even enhanced athletic performance! The new Purefit Plasmacluster Air Purifier will be available in September 2023. For more information, visit https://sg.sharp/ AIR APPARENT 33

34 Paying homage to Star Wars’ annual fan holiday May the 4th, Royal Selangor has introduced fresh faces to their extensive themed collection. The latest releases include a Limited Edition Speeder Bike Chase diorama featuring fan favourite Luke Skywalker in hot pursuit of a scout trooper, as well as a Limited Edition Gilt Boba Fett Battle Ready Figurine, available in pewter and 24K gilt. Royal Selangor’s Limited Edition Speeder Bike Chase diorama retails at $1,100, with the Limited Edition Gilt Boba Fett Battle Ready Figurine retailing at $830 (pewter) and $1,250 (24K gilt). The collection is available at Royal Selangor stores, authorised dealers, and online at royalselangor.com Price on enquiry. Diesel Living with Moroso collections are available at Xtra in Singapore, visit https://xtra.com.sg for more information. At the recent iteration of Milano Design Week, Diesel Living unveiled “Diesel Living with Moroso”, a pop-up showroom featuring new collections. Chief among them: the High Cloud armchair, designed and produced in collaboration with Moroso. The design incorporates versatility, with an adjustable backrest and armrests for comfort and structure alike. A raised base and large, generously frilled seat cushions further fuel the High Cloud’s embrace of cleaner, contemporary lines, whilst still recalling the charms of the preceding Cloudscape armchair. CLOUD-LIKE COMFORT Ease yourself into calm quietude with Aesop’s Bronze Incense Holder, an elegant design with serene curves that echoes both subtlety and gravitas. The The Aesop Bronze Incense Holder and Aromatique Incenses retail at $210 and $53 respectively. They’re available at all Aesop Signature stores and on aesop.com. A STATE OF BEING work of Fabio Vogel of Vogel Studio, the solid bronze piece is crafted in Germany, abstractly reflecting the shape of a giving or supporting hand. It comes second in Aesop’s line of home design objects to bear with pride the brand’s Aromatique incenses - Murasaki, Kagerou, and Sarashina, all available separately. STAR POWER

NEW STORE LEFT The 2,800 sq ft space features real-scale HDB bathroom sets too. BELOW Aside from their HDB-friendly bathtubs, shoppers can also find a wide range of washbasins and vanities. HERA BATHROOM EXPERIENCE CENTER Expect life-size projection of bathroom plans, and moveable fixtures that allow visitors to play at being a designer using the brand’s complete offerings in this new bathroom gallery. upgrading our living space skyrocketed HERA Bathroom’s popularity. Catering to the customer’s demand, HERA Bathroom opened its first experience centre in May this year. Occupying a 2,800 sq ft unit at the Grantral Mall and Complex, the HERA Bathroom Experience Center features Bathtubs are a luxury mostly left out by HDB and small apartment homeowners because they occupy a sizeable chunk of the precious bathroom square footage. Not anymore, says HERA Bathroom. Established in 2017 by local mumpreneur Lew Eeling, the bathroom brand is known for its bestselling HDB flat-friendly bathtubs, offering no less than 78 sizes and shapes to fit our compact urban spaces. The brand’s popularity rapidly ascended in 2020, when it was one of the first brands to migrate to e-commerce, taking advantage of the shifting shopping habits during the pandemic. This and the collective consciousness that home is the most important place that saw us fervently all you need to build your dream bathroom onsite. Gone are the days when you only select bathroom fixtures via catalogues or screens. The centre offers not only many of its best-selling bathtubs to try onsite to see if you can soak in them comfortably, but also bathroom cabinets, vanities and washbasins with wideranging finishing options that you can mix and match to your heart’s content. You can also bring your own hardware to find the most suitable complementary elements on display. This is thanks to the moveable and modular panels, fixtures and other off-the-shelves parts – a The HERA Bathroom Experience Centre is at #04-24 Grantral Mall and Complex, 601 MacPherson Road. Visit www. herabathroom.com for more information. rarity in bathroom brands. “I sell these products like beauty products,” says Eeling. “You can have matchy-matchy colours with your interiors and easily change them when you want a refresh. HERA is a brand by and for modern women.” Though the brand’s ease of mixing and matching is universally attractive. Designed by Cris Cheng of interior design firm Etcetera Design, the experience centre features four real-scale bathroom sets, ranging from HDB flat bathrooms – dressed with actual tiles and finishes used by HDB – to spacious condominium bathrooms. “Have I mentioned that our bathtubs can be installed in under 30 minutes? No hacking needed. And it can be removed equally easily,” adds Eeling. That certainly makes a good case for a soaking tub in compact homes. text SORA SUBRATA Photos HERA BATHROOM 35

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40 French artist Eva Jospin brings xʐ7B AfBʐ;Z;; on a journey inside her cardboard ’Þœ†é°ÐÉâ ʋ ޜĝɜ˜ʣ œÉ°§È†é°’ and sensitive – that carry viewers away into a strange †É˜ Ȇ§°’†Â îÉ°ùœÞâœʣ †â °¦ they have wandered inside a ¦†°ÞĀ é†Âœʨ ,   Z B  , B Z S ,Va , H B "V H A a ) H Z  , B a )  9 B Hr THE ENCHANTED WOODS photo RUINART

Eva Jospin crafts hauntingly beautiful forests, rocks, grottoes, nymphaeums, cenotaphs, temples and entire universes out of cardboard, a cheap, everyday material that she sublimates through the ambition of the form and the complexity of the ornamentation. Going from the minute to the monumental, the painstaking, delicate details of her sculptures, usually found in drawing or lacemaking, contrast with their oversized dimensions. Having studied mannerist Renaissance gardens and landscape paintings and àääłěű ĆĢƉŖäĢÚäà Ùű őĂä ÁŅő ĩù the Antiquity, the Baroque era, the Rococo spirit or the 19th century and its panoramas, the Paris-born artist’s fantastical woods are those of fairy tales yet are devoid of human presence. Dense, silent, obscure, full of mystery and the unknown, they possess the power of suggestion and are spaces of transition from reality to dream. By representing objects with multiple symbolism in the collective unconscious, Eva entices viewers to plunge into her immersive surrealist landscapes that are places ĩù ĆĢƈĢĆőä łĩʼnʼnĆÙĆěĆőĆäʼn͡ while leaving them open to interpretation so audiences can compose their own narratives at the same time. “I want people to join me,” she states. “I’d like people to appropriate my artwork by going into their own imagination and make the links őĩ Á ěĩő ĩù àĆƅäŅäĢő őĂĆĢúʼn͠Ό Inviting us to embark on an introspective voyage, her romantic, poetic scenes 1 38

3. Panorama Exhibition at Fondation Thalie in Brussels in 2023. are the ideal backdrop for our mental projections in which ūä ÚÁĢ ĆġÁúĆĢä ĆĢƈĢĆőä ʼnäÚŅäő stories unfolding. “To me, the role of the artist is to create a world of its own, a real universe, and to invite viewers to take part with their eyes and their mind,” Eva discloses. “I invite viewers to project themselves into my world of cardboard, cement or textile and to foster their imagination. I like the idea that my forests or landscapes initiate immediate emotions inside people because it’s something that anyone can easily relate to. My vision is to activate this link between the art and the public, to create something that is accessible. My artworks are not political but emotional. My works full of narratives, in which nature is revealed to be other and àĆƅäŅäĢő͡ äĢúÁúä Ŗʼn őĩ ŅäͿ enchant our relationship with the world. Silent and sensitive, these composite sceneries, where vegetal, mineral and built elements are mixed, invite us to meditate, dream and take time, salutary, for contemplation.” Born in Paris in 1975, Eva is the daughter of former French Prime Minister, Lionel Jospin. “I’m from a generation when children still had a lot of freedom, were free to move around,” she recalls. “I went to school alone at six years old and could walk around the city. For a while, it was full of children everywhere because people were just letting them go out before they started to be scared for a lot of reasons.” A graduate of the School of Fine Arts of Paris in 2002, she made cardboard her material of predilection because of its simplicity and easy availability. The original use of this material brought her recognition over a decade ago, and has since led to installations of her work in the square courtyard of the 1. Eva Jospin at the Folie exhibition at Domaine de Chaumont-surLoire in France in 2018. 2. Galleria exhibition at Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature in Paris in 2021-22. 2 3 photo ERIC SANDER photo BÉATRICE HATALA photo SUZANNE TARASIEVE 39

6 4. Eva was invited by French champagne label Ruinart for a series of cardboard installations. 5. Eva images a rocky outcrop on a barren universe for her project. 6. Eva at work sculpting a rocky cliff out of cardboard. 7. & 8. Eva experiments with various natural textures in her search for inspiration. Louvre Museum, at Dior’s haute couture and ready-towear fashion shows, at the Beaupassage gastronomic hotspot in Paris and in the gardens of the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire château in central France. In Eva’s hands, cardboard is sliced, cut, folded, sanded, superimposed or juxtaposed in countless layers to create volume and perspective, magically transformed into bark, vine, rock, stone or brick. She explains, “I really love to work with this material because I can express in őĂä ūĩŅė Á ěĩő ĩù àĆƅäŅäĢő moments. Sometimes I do huge pieces with rocks and I can be very messy with everything everywhere, and then I do things in fragility and meticulousness.” Whereas in the creative process, cardboard is generally meant to be eliminated – used as a sketch or support to prepare for a nobler material – she chooses to exalt it, expressing herself through its texture. “I think in layers and ʼnőŅÁőĆƈÚÁőĆĩĢ ΁ ĆőΎʼn ŅäÁěěű őĂä way I construct the works – and cardboard is also made of layers,” Eva remarks. “It’s the shadow and light on a piece that will make you feel the shape of the sculpture, and cardboard contains its own shadow, so when you use cardboard in an art piece, you will have a constant vibration that is impossible to recreate with ʼnĩġäőĂĆĢú ƉÁő͠ Hù űĩŖ ʼnÁĢà Ćő͡ you will erase the holes so it’s ƉÁő ÁĢà ĆőΎʼn ěĆėä ŖʼnĆĢú ūĂĆőä͡ ÁĢà then you will carve it to have more shadow. There are a lot of ways to transform the material. It’s fascinating because you start doing things with it and then you realise all the possible variations 4 5 “I LIKE THE IDEA THAT MY FORESTS OR LANDSCAPES INITIATE IMMEDIATE EMOTIONS INSIDE PEOPLE BECAUSE IT’S SOMETHING THAT ANYONE CAN EASILY RELATE TO.” – FRENCH ARTIST EVA JOSPIN photo EDITIONLIMITEE RUINAR photo RUINART 40

RUINART X EVA JOSPIN COLLABORATION Handpicked by Ruinart as its Carte Blanche 2023 artist, Eva has created an installation of cardboard sculptures, hautsreliefs, embroideries and drawings centred around a carmontelle, an 18th-century invention for showing landscape paintings in motion by French dramatist, painter and designer Louis Carrogis Carmontelle. Composed of a long scroll of paper stretched between two cylinders, the images unfurl with the turn of a small crank. Recalling her discovery of Ruinart’s historic site and the terroir of the Montagne de Reims, her intricate drawing on paper narrates the connections between the underground worlds of the chalk pits and vineyards, between nature and architecture, and between the gestures in an artist’s workshop and during the champagne-making process, from pruning the vines to riddling the bottles. Investigations of a region in miniature, Eva’s Chefs-d’oeuvre, or masterpieces, juxtapose representations of natural scenery with architectural forms, even including a tiny sculpted staircase echoing the steps descending to Ruinart’s cellars where its bottles age. Hauts-reliefs evoking the forest bordering Ruinart’s Taissy vineyard suggest a passage from the roots to the vines, and from subterranean spaces to above ground, while her silk embroideries handsewn by Mumbai-based Chanakya atelier (the very same used by Dior) reveal multicoloured, surreal landscapes, and her undulating relief drawings in ink on Japanese paper reference the site’s topography. vegetal fragments that appear to be the result of grafts or unexpected hybridisations. “It’s a way to erase what’s the end of the man and what’s the end of nature because there is an encounter and something is mixed,” she notes. A single artwork may take months to come to ěĆùä͡ ūĆőĂ őĂä Ăäěł ĩù ƈŪä permanent skilled assistants in Eva’s Paris studio, which expands temporarily if the project requires. “I need to have a strong desire for what I do because it’s a long process, it’s not immediate and I’m slow,” she concludes. “Probably for most artists, there is something absolutely fascinating about making things that are not there. There is nothing and then we make something – it’s magical.It’s also why we create ʼnĩ ġŖÚĂ ʼnőŖƅ ÁĢà ĆőΎʼn Á ÙĆú problem, butit’s an urge we have, something deeply human,to need to fabricate things. My dream for the future is to create an artist’s garden like the one Niki de Saint Phalle did in Italy.I’m ÚŅĩʼnʼnĆĢú ġű ƈĢúäŅʼn őĂÁő ʼnĩġäĩĢä will commission me to make sculptures for such a garden.” with the exact same thing.” As Eva is a master of the art of illusion, what appears to be a cave strewn with vegetation is actually an outsized sculpture in moulded cement of her own construction with interiors decorated with red stones, lightly tinted shells, gossamer paper garlands, gilded inlays and bas-reliefs carved in stone – a retreat in which to meditate away from the world. Marrying ùÁÚő ÁĢà ƈÚőĆĩĢ͡ ʼnĂä ÚÁĢ ùŖʼnä real elements of an existing architecture with an imagined vision of a palace, temple or garden, creating self-contained worlds, where epics, fables and myths materialise. Or build a complicated assembly of architectural shapes and photo ELTON ROCHA photo STUDIO MK27 AND PATINA HOTELS 8 photo CARMONTELLE RUINART photo RUINART2023@FLAVIEN PRIOREAU 7 photo RUINART@MATHIEU BONNEVIE photo RUINART@MATHIEU BONNEVIE 41

FLOORED BY DESIGN Ăä ƉĩĩŅ͢ ġĩŅä őĂÁĢ ġäŅäěű őĂä ùĩŖĢàÁőĆĩĢ ŖłĩĢ ūĂĆÚĂ Áěě Ăĩġäʼn ÁŅä ÙŖĆěő͠ ©ĂÁőäŪäŅ űĩŖΎŅä ěĩĩėĆĢú ùĩŅ ŖĢàäŅùĩĩő͡ ĆőΎʼn ÁĢ ĆŅŅäùŖőÁÙěä ùÁÚő őĂÁő űĩŖŅ ÚĂĩĆÚä ūĆěě ŖěőĆġÁőäěű ÚĩĢőŅĆÙŖőä őĩ őĂä ƈĢÁě ěĩĩė ĩù űĩŖŅ ʼnłÁÚä͠ ;Ņĩġ ƉÁʼnĂű ƉĩĩŅĆĢú őĂÁő àŅÁūʼn őĂä äűä őĩ Á łÁŅäàͿàĩūĢ ěĩĩė őĩ ʼnŖĆő ÚěäÁĢäŅ ÁäʼnőĂäőĆÚʼn ΁ űĩŖΎěě ūÁĢő őĩ ġÁėä ÁĢ ĆĢùĩŅġäà àäÚĆʼnĆĩĢ͠ DäŅäΎʼn ūĂÁő űĩŖ Ģääà őĩ ėĢĩūͥ THEY’RE PRONE TO SCRATCHES IF YOU HAVE PETS Wood is susceptible to scratching, so the damage from your high heels or the paws of your pets will definitely show up in time. THE UPFRONT COST IS SIGNIFICANT The price point is a very real consideration in home renovations; be prepared to fork out a hefty sum. Just remember that it’s an investment that’s worth it in the long run. THEY COME WITH NOISE If you have running children at home, wooden floors might drive you slightly batty with the noise it will emit. DESIGN THREE-D CONCEPTWERKE THEY RAISE THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME There’s nothing more comforting than the look and feel of natural hardwood at home, and most homeowners agree. Because it is such a longwearing and beautiful material, the use of wood more than instantly warms a space, and raises the value of your home. THEY LAST A VERY LONG TIME Wooden floors can last up to a century and longer if properly cared for. This means they’ll need an occasional sweep, vacuum, and wipedown, and maintenance from time to time. THEY’RE VERSATILE AND COME WITH OPTIONS Plenty of wood options are available in the market today, from different types of wood to the stain and to the cut. You can even get creative with the laying process, from parquet to herringbone and more. WOOD  őĆġäěäʼnʼn ĩłőĆĩĢ ūäěěͿÙäěĩŪäà Ùű ĂĩġäĩūĢäŅʼn őĂä ūĩŅěà ĩŪäŅ͡ ūĩĩà ĂÁʼn őĂä ÙäĢäƈő ĩù ÙäĆĢú Áʼn ĆĢÚĩĢʼnłĆÚŖĩŖʼn ĩŅ Áʼn ÙěÁőÁĢő Áʼn àäʼnĆŅäà͠ àÁłőÁÙěä ÁĢà ěĩĢúͿ ūäÁŅĆĢú͡ ūĩĩà ÚÁĢ Ùä Ŗʼnäà ùĩŅ Á ġŖěőĆőŖàä ĩù ÁäʼnőĂäőĆÚʼn͡ ùŅĩġ ÚĩġùĩŅőÁÙěä ŅŖʼnőĆÚ ÚĂĆÚ ĆĢőäŅĆĩŅʼn őĩ ěĆúĂőͿƈěěäà aäū¯ĩŅėͿʼnőűěä ěĩùőʼn őĩ ġäÁʼnŖŅäà͡ ġĩàäŅĢͿ ÚĩĢőäġłĩŅÁŅű Ăĩġäʼn͠ DESIGN BOWERMAN INTERIOR PLANNER FEATURE Pros Cons 42

DESIGN ARTISTROOM THEY’RE COOLING AND PERFECT FOR HOT ASIAN WEATHER Because tile floors retain the heat and cool very well, they’re perfect for our hot, muggy weather. Just install them indoors and away from the sun, and you’ll have cool floors to walk on all day. THEY’RE EASY TO MAINTAIN Because most tiles are glazed or coated, they’re easy to clean; simply sweep, vacuum, or mop. And even when they’re not, stains are nothing a good wipe-down won’t fix. THEY’RE DURABLE Tile floors are moisture resistant and very durable, which means areas with high foot traffic like the living area benefit well from its use. THEY’RE DIFFICULT TO REPLACE Buy extra tiles ahead of time, as you may need to replace broken ones over the years. You don’t want to run the risk of mis-matched tiles. They’re also difficult to replace, being heavy and requiring the use of many materials and tools, so call in the professionals. THEY COME WITH GROUT-LINE MAINTENANCE If your tiles are pale in colour, the grout between each tile will soon show up stark, a dark brown, as dirt and other things are accumulated within. You’ll need to clean the grout on a semi-regular basis to avoid this. TILE Ăä ġÁĆĢʼnőÁű ĩù ġÁĢűʼnĆÁĢ Ăĩġäʼn͡ őĆěäʼn ĂÁŪä Á ūÁű ĩù ġÁėĆĢú Á ʼnłÁÚä ěĩĩė ŅäġÁŅėÁÙěű ĢäÁő ÁĢà őĆàű͠ ffiäÚÁŖʼnä őĂäűΎŅä ÁŪÁĆěÁÙěä ĆĢ ġÁĢű àĆƅäŅäĢő ʼnőűěäʼn ÁĢà ěĩĩėʼn͡ őĂäűΎŅä őĂä łäŅùäÚő ĩłőĆĩĢ ùĩŅ ĂĩġäĩūĢäŅʼn ūĂĩ ÁŅä ÁùőäŅ äÁʼnű ġÁĆĢőäĢÁĢÚä͡ ÚĩʼnőͿäƆÚĆäĢÚű͡ ÁĢà úĩĩà ěĩĩėʼn͠ Pros Cons 43

MOSAIC ;ĩŅ őĂä ĂĩġäĩūĢäŅ ūĂĩ ūÁĢőʼn ġĩŅä őĂÁĢ ĔŖʼnő Á ƉĩĩŅ͡ ġĩʼnÁĆÚ łŅĩŪĆàäʼn őĂä łäŅùäÚő ʼnĩěŖőĆĩĢ͠ Ăä ġÁĆĢʼnőÁű ĩù ĂĆʼnőĩŅĆÚÁě ÁŅÚĂĆőäÚőŖŅÁě ÁŅő͡ ġĩʼnÁĆÚ ĂÁʼn ěĩĢú ÙääĢ Ŗʼnäà őĩ Áàà ÚĩěĩŖŅ͡ őäŰőŖŅä͡ ÁĢà ÁŅő őĩ ƉĩĩŅʼn͡ ūÁěěʼn͡ ÁĢà äŪäĢ Ņĩĩùʼn͠ ĩàÁű͡ őĂäűΎŅä ÚĩġġĩĢěű Ŗʼnäà őĩ ĆĢĔäÚő ŪĆÙŅÁĢÚű őĩ Á ʼnłÁÚä͡ ÁĢà ÚÁĢ Ùä ÁĢ ÁġÁŹĆĢú ÁààĆőĆĩĢ őĩ ÁĢű ʼnłÁÚä͠ A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES Because they can be arranged in a myriad of ways, mosaic tiles are the perfect solution for homes that need a bit of colour and style. Said tiles can be worked into repeating patterns, or put together to form a bigger design that can well become the centrepiece of any space. EASY TO CLEAN A little soap and water on a sponge is really all that’s needed to clean your mosaic installation. They’re also resistant to stains, mould, and mildew, and won’t be subjected to chemical damage. PERFECT FOR SMALLER SPACES LIKE THE BATHROOM Because they’re so small, mosaic tiles are easily adaptable, and this makes them the perfect fit for smaller spaces like the bathroom, where they will also add a spark of interest and plenty of colour if so desired. CAN BE SLIPPERY Especially true after a clean, mosaic tiles tend towards being slippery when wet. Install anti-slip mats to keep unecessary accidents from happening if you have elderly and children living at home. GROUT-MAINTENANCE IS NECESSARY As with any tile, grout maintenance is important to maintain a pristine aesthetic. Give your grout a good clean with a combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to get it shiny and white again. CHIPS AND CRACKS OVER TIME Glass mosaic tiles are susceptible to scratches, which will accumulate over time in your floor. Additionally, they’ve also been known to crack when heavy items are dropped on the floor, so keep an eye out for chips that can be dangerous for your family. Cons Pros

MAY SUFFER WATER DAMAGE Because concrete is inherently porous, some concerns arise as to water damage and its effect on your floors. When exposed to water, damp spots might arise, so you’ll want to keep your floors properly sealed. A HARD FALL TO SUFFER As tough as it is to crack, concrete is a difficult surface to fall on, so you’ll want to be careful when walking so as to avoid injuries. SUBJECT TO CRACKING When exposed to temperature, moisture, and settling changes, your concrete floor might just crack over time. VERSATILE AND MODERN Often used as part of the wellloved industrial aesthetic, concrete screed floors are also great for contemporary interiors that include high-end tufted chairs, plush sofas, and smooth velvets. Its flexibility as a material means it can easily be incorporated to any aesthetic you so desire. DURABLE AND EASY TO MAINTAIN Because concrete is strong and sturdy, you’ll find pets and heels don’t dent the surface. All it needs is really just a seal and wax every 3 – 9 months, to retain a protective layer. WILL LAST YOU DECADES When properly maintained, concrete floor will last you a very long time. To this end, you won’t need to worry about the woes of retiling and such. CONCRETE Ăä àÁŅěĆĢú ĩù őĂä ġĩàäŅĢ ĆĢàŖʼnőŅĆÁě ÁäʼnőĂäőĆÚ͡ ÚĩĢÚŅäőä ʼnÚŅääà ƉĩĩŅʼn ĂÁŪä͡ ĆĢ ŅäÚäĢő űäÁŅʼn͡ úÁĆĢäà łěäĢőű ĩù őŅÁÚőĆĩĢ͠ ©ĂĆěä őĂäű àĩ ĆĢàääà ěĩĩė ÁġÁŹĆĢú ĆĢ ÚĩġÙĆĢÁőĆĩĢ ūĆőĂ ĩőĂäŅ ġÁőäŅĆÁěʼn ěĆėä ūĩĩà ÁĢà łÁőőäŅĢäà łäŅÁĢÁėÁĢ őĆěäʼn͡ ʼnłäÚĆÁě ÚÁŅä ĂÁʼn őĩ Ùä őÁėäĢ͡ Áʼn Ćő Ćʼn łÁŅőĆÚŖěÁŅěű ʼnŖʼnÚäłőĆÙěä őĩ ġĩĆʼnőŖŅä àÁġÁúä͠ Pros Cons 45

CAN CHEAPEN THE LOOK OF A HOME Because you can instantly tell when a floor is laminate, its presence in your home might lower the resale value. Invest in good, highend laminates to combat this. SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER DAMAGE No matter what anyone tells you, water damage is always an issue with laminates. For this purpose, they should not be used in the bathroom or in areas that are frequently wet. Clean up spills immediately. CAN’T BE RETREATED LIKE WOOD While scratched wood can be given a new coat of paint, laminate needs to be replaced once it is worn out. EASY TO INSTALL AND REPLACE Because most laminates come with snaptogether mechanisms, it’s easy to install, and as such make for a good DIY project. At the same time, it’s also possible to replace just one laminate plank if it’s damaged; you won’t need to replace the entire set. FUSS-FREE MAINTENANCE Easy enough to clean; simply wipe up spills asap to avoid water seeping in, and give it a good sweep and wipe-down every once in a while with a laminate cleaner. CAN BE INSTALLED OVER EXISTING FLOORING With its lightweight, snap-together configuration, laminate is installed over a foam cushion underlay, so one can do it over existing flooring without first tearing any of it out. LAMINATE €ĩłŖěÁŅ ùĩŅ Ćőʼn ÁőőŅÁÚőĆŪä łŅĆÚä łĩĆĢő͡ ūĂĆÚĂ ÚěĩÚėʼn ĆĢ ěĩūäŅ őĂÁĢ ĢÁőŖŅÁě ĂÁŅàūĩĩà͡ ěÁġĆĢÁőä ƉĩĩŅʼn ĢĩĢäőĂäěäʼnʼn łŅĩŪĆàä őĂä ěĩĩė ÁĢà ùääě ĩù ūĩĩà ÁĢà őĆěä͠ Hőʼn äÁʼnä ĩù ġÁĆĢőäĢÁĢÚä ÁĢà ÚĩĢŪäĢĆäĢő ÁłłěĆÚÁőĆĩĢ ġÁėäʼn Ćő äÁʼnű łĆÚė ÁĢà Á úĩĩà ʼnŖÙʼnőĆőŖőä ùĩŅ őĂĩʼnä ūĆőĂ ʼnġÁěěäŅ ÙŖàúäőʼn͠ DESIGN CALVIN HO Pros Cons 46

UNIQUE AND ONE-OF-A-KIND Because marble is a natural rock, each slab comes with distinct different veins, lending to a final look that is one-ofa-kind. This is desirable, especially to those who want their homes to be special and a class above run-of-themill apartments. STYLISH AND EXPENSIVE-LOOKING There’s a certain quality to marble that is perfect for imparting a level of glamour and style to any home. It’s also important to note that any home with marble is significantly improved in terms of resale value. PLAYS WELL WITH LIGHT For spaces that are narrower at home, marble is ideal as it is slightly translucent; light penetrates the surface to give the material a bit of glow. This in turn reflects back onto the room, giving it a beautiful brilliance that draws the eye. EXPENSIVE As a high quality, heavy rock, marble is expensive both to install and replace, and as such, comes with a high price point that many may be reluctant to pay. PRONE TO STAINING AND WATER DAMAGE Because marble is porous in nature, it is prone to staining. This is especially true with acidic spills such as lemon juice and other fruit, and need to be immediately cleaned up to avoid staining. Apply a sealer and get professionals to polish your floors to keep it shiny. RELATIVELY SOFT ROCK Marble is prone to scratches, and as such need regular polishing to keep the scratches from showing. Because it’s also a softer rock, it can crack or dent with time, so keep your floors sealed to protect them from such damage. MARBLE 'ŪäŅű äěäúÁĢő ʼnłÁÚä ūäÁŅʼn ġÁŅÙěä ūäěě͡ ÁĢà ùĩŅ őĂĆʼn ŅäÁʼnĩĢ͡ őĂĆʼn ĢÁőŖŅÁě ġĩŖĢőÁĆĢ ġÁőäŅĆÁě Ćʼn łŅĆŹäà ÁŅĩŖĢà őĂä ūĩŅěà͠ Hő ĂÁʼn ěĩĢú ÙääĢ Ŗʼnäà ĆĢ őĂä ÙŖĆěàĆĢú ĩù ĂĆʼnőĩŅĆÚÁěěű ĩłŖěäĢő łÁěÁÚäʼnͣ Á ġÁőäŅĆÁě ĩłőĆĩĢ ūĩŅőĂű ĩù ŅĩűÁěʼn ÁĢà őĂä ŖłłäŅ äÚĂäěĩĢʼn ĩù ʼnĩÚĆäőű͠ `ĩàäŅĢ àÁű ġÁŅÙěä Ćʼn ĆĢƈĢĆőäěű ġĩŅä ÁÚÚäʼnʼnĆÙěä͡ ÁĢà ĂÁʼn űäő ěĩʼnő ĢĩĢä ĩù Ćőʼn ÚĂÁŅġ͠ text EMMELYN CINDY MAH Pros Cons 47

PROPE RTY A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO DEMYSTIFYING HDB OWNERSHIP TRANSFER Changing HDB ownership involves several legal, financial, and procedural considerations. Find out what are the different types of ownership, eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and potential pitfalls homeowners need to know in order to navigate the process smoothly. 48